Troubled Victorian youth prison to be shut down

Youth justice centre to close
The Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre has battled inmate riots, staff shortages and escapes. -AAP Image

A troubled youth prison in central Victoria will close by the end of the year.

The Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre will shut and detainees will transfer to Parkville and the new $420 million Cherry Creek facilities.

Minister for Youth Justice Enver Erdogan said staff had been notified of the closure on Tuesday. 

"It comes at an ideal time because our youth justice system is experiencing the lowest numbers in custody this century," Mr Ergogan said. 

"As of yesterday, there are 100 young people in custody in Victoria."

Malmsbury has been operational since 1965 and has battled problems for years, with inmate riots, staff shortages and escapes.

By the end of the year there will be 56 people aged between 15 and 18 years of age at Cherry Creek and others moved to Parkville Correctional Centre.